Album Review: Epitaph – Path To Oblivion (My Kingdom Music)

Crafting a dark path between doom metal and progressive metal, Italian band Epitaph will release their new album, ‘Path to Oblivion’ on December 20th, 2024, via My Kingdom Music.

Thick with eerie atmosphere from the start, the darkness rolls in with doomy force as Epitaph set the scene with the title track intro, then expand into more familiar locales with the tome that is Embraced by Worms. If you need to know what kind of doom band Epitaph are, this track alone will answer that question. Think the likes of Candlemass and Pentagram with shades of Sabbath, and then add a hefty dollop of progressive wickedness, and you’re in the right ballpark.

The highlight of this first track? A thrilling injection of pace that comes near the end and gives way to a unique sounding guitar solo.

Bar set, Epitaph really start to flex their progressive muscles with the following Condemned to Flesh and Nameless Demon. The former’s rhythm gets under the skin, groove-tinged and dark, but with a mid-point drop has an unexpected psychedelic touch. While the latter is a mammoth doom undertaking that has deep rivets of dark melody and overpowering heavy sinister vibes. It, almost, doesn’t get stronger than this, but the the latter part of the record has some immense efforts too.

Before we get to that stage though, there’s an opportunity to wallow in some eerie gothic atmosphere with the intermission, She’s Reborn in Blasphemy. Then, there’s a big injection of lively groove with the most anthemic track of the album, Voices Behind the Wall. Tectonic riffs, bullish percussion, and epic vocals. What’s not to love?

Especially when the drama is enhanced to such a moody degree on Kingdom of Slumber. Epitaph not just making melody a prevalent aspect of this track but infusing even more exciting psychedelic touches into the progressive makeup. It’s one of the more captivating efforts and perfectly complimented by the epic doom weight of the finale, Fall from Grace. Where seven-odd minutes fly by in a blur of riffy noise, imposing cinematic touches, and progressive creativity. Leading to a touching outro of haunting melody.

A very impressive release that manages to add complexity to a familiar doom soundscape and be accessible too.

Epitaph – Path to Oblivion Track Listing:

1. Path to Oblivion
2. Embraced by Worms
3. Condemned to Flesh
4. Nameless Demon
5. She’s Reborn in Blasphemy
6. Voices Behind the Wall
7. Kingdom of Slumber
8. Fall from Grace

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